Greenbelt programme: Forest Dept.'s claims contested

By P. Oppili

CHENNAI, NOV. 25. Even as the Forest Department claims to have
achieved 50 per cent of its target in implementing `Greenbelt
pollution Abatement' programme in the city and suburbs, various
organisations involved in the programme have raised ``serious
doubts'' about the department's achievement.

Under the programme, which was launched on June 3 to coincide
with the Chief Minister, Mr. M. Karunanidhi's birthday, 1.30 lakh
saplings had to be planted in the city and its suburbs. But, the
programme funded by the Central Pollution Control Board faced
problem right from the beginning.

To start with, the saplings were not available in required number
readily with the department, say sources. The department was
forced to purchase 12,000 tall saplings from other divisions and
from Tamil Nadu Forest Plantation Corporation (TAFCORN) to make
up for the shortfall. Even this was not sufficient, they said.

The duration for achieving the target was not also sufficient,
said another officer. For example, the City Beautification
Programme, launched a few years ago, was shelved after two years
when the Chennai Corporation failed to pay the funds allotted for
the programme.

Originally it was planned to complete the planting programme by
November end. But it could not be continued as per schedule due
to the delayed setting in of monsoon, said officials.

Areas such as Kodambakkam, Mambalam, Nungambakkam, Purasawalkam
and several places in north Chennai have not been covered by the
department, allege NGOs. Though the pits were dug more than a
month ago, the Range Officers concerned had not planted the
saplings, they said. ``If the planting programme continued at
this phase, it could not be achieved before next monsoon'', felt
the NGOs.

The department should explain to the other involved organisations
the places in the city and its suburbs where the planting work
was completed. With this information, the remaining areas could
be identified for taking up the planting work, says Mr. R.
Govindaraj, Exnora joint general secretary.

Similarly, the department should identify the places where
pollution level is high and take up planting work.

With ample funds and suitable weather condition prevailing in the
city, the department should conduct the meeting with
participating organisations and motivate its staff to achieve the
target on time.